Yasmin Young Salutes Anthony Cook, Today’s Father Friday Honoree!

Dads often don't get the credit or love that they deserve, which is why Yasmin Young of the 2 To 6 Takeover started Father Friday! It's time for the great dads in Buffalo and WNY to get some recognition! Meet our current honoree, Anthony Cook!

At the end of each month, each of the Fathers will be entered into a random drawing to win a limited edition pair of Ray Bans from Dr. Beyer! Dr. Beyer Optical- for a look that’s on fire, you gotta call Dr. Beyer! 646-EXAM!

Meet July 21st's Dad, Anthony Cook!!

Anthony is the father of 2 children, a 16-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son! Christina , who nominated him says, "He is such an amazing father to our 2 children,I couldn't ask for a better man to raise our children with. He works tirelessly to provide for them and spends as much time as he can with his family..he is the true definition of a dad!!" Today, we salute Anthony for being a great dad!!

Meet July 14th's Dad, Shawntel Shields!!

Shawntel is the father of two children, Summer Shields, 4-years-old and Shawntel Shields Jr., 2-months. Tasha, the mother of his children says, "Shawntel is hard working and a dedicated father! He always make sure his kids come first an both kids have everything they could want an need. He does whatever it takes to put a smile on their face!" We see you Shawntel!! Keep being a great daddy!

Meet July 7th's Dad, Warren Hawthorne!!

Warren is dad to three children, Jaysen 13, Trinty 9 and Elliott 2! Warren was nominated by Cynthia who says, "When I met him he was a single dad of a little girl name Trinity who was 4 at that time (now 9), and I was a single mom of an 8-year-old name Jaysen (now 13). Without any hesitation Warren took on the role as Jaysen’s father. He makes sure that he is there at all of Jaysen’s basketball games, footballs games for the tears the good & bad moments. For Trinity’s Cheerleading practices and school performances. He motivates them and teaches them the power of God, the power of love, and the power of loving others, even if they are not your blood. He is a role model to all of our children. We now have a two year old together, and well let’s just say our little Elliott is a 'Daddy’s Boy'. I could not ask for a better father for our children." Keep being an AMAZING dad Warren!

Meet June 30th's Dad, Gerald Mallory Jr.!!!

Gerald is dad to 4 children ages 16 (which is not his, he helps take care of another man's child but the father is in the child's life also) 12, 11 and 4! He was nominated by Kelly Best, who says, "Gerald has been thru so much as a father, he's been there 4 all of the children from the very start. He has been thru so much ever since the passing of his brother last year. He deserves whatever award that you guys have for that!" We salute you Gerald!!

Meet June 23rd's Dad, Earl Shepherd!!

Earl is dad to 7 children, ages 28, 24, 23, 22, 20, 13 and 4! "Earl took on four children and I at a very hard time in our lives then my children where 5/4/3/and 1 and he had a daughter of his own and a few years later he decided he wanted to keep us for ever. Then we took in two children from the family and made them part of our family and he loves all of these children like they were his I used to pray for the perfect man they say God may not give you what you want when you want it but he will give you what you need although he is not perfect he was what my family and I needed every day I know that we where and are blessed."

Meet June 9th's Dad, Richard Smith!!

Richard is dad to a 28-year-old daughter named Ebony, who nominated him. Eb says, "My dad is awesome sauce! He spent 16 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, came home 10 years ago and has been working in the espestice field until about a year ago when he got hurt in a car accident. I can count on my dad for anything and even with all his hard times he helps any and every one (He never sits down)! He deserves the world and its his time to shine!! Plus he is very handsome.. Lol" Keep being an amazing dad to your daughter, especially after being apart for so long!

Meet June 2nd's Dad, Carlo LaRussa!!

Carlo was nominated by his wife Kimberly, who he shares a son with. She said, "My husband, Carlo LaRussa, is the best father I've ever seen. He puts our son first and never questions it. He was up for a job that he's been waiting 10 years to get by working his way up the ladder, and he declined it for now so he could spend more time with our son. He's selfless, hardworking, and sweet. He makes our son laugh and smile each and every day and the two of them are inseparable. I couldn't have asked for a better dad for my son and it's such a joy to see the unconditional love they have for each other. Every day is a new adventure for them!" Keep being an amazing dad!!

Meet May 19th's Dad, Anthony Tirado!!

Anthony is dad to three boys, Aiden, 3, Anthony, 6 and Thomas, 13! He's such a great dad is always there for his children loves spending time and playing video games with them! They mean the world to him!!" Keep being a great dad to your boys Anthony!!

Meet May 12th's Dad, Jose A. Rivera II!!

Jose is dad to 4 children, a 10-year-old step son, 6-year-old step son, 4-year-old step son and almost 2-month-old daughter! Jennifer Sotero, who nominated Jose, said "He stepped up and is helping me raise my 3 sons along, with our newborn daughter. He doesn't have to lift a finger for my boys (ages 10, 6 & 4) but he does. He helps with homework, reading, practices writing and spelling & takes them out to spend time as a family." Today we salute you Jose as a great father and step father!!!

Meet May 5th's Dad, Willie Fair III!!!

Willie is daddy to 8-months-old Katalaya! "Willie is all about being a wonderful daddy to his baby girl! Everything is all about Katalaya to Willie. He works so hard to take care of her and make sure she is well taken care of! If you ever see Willie when he is around Katalaya his smile lights up the whole room for how much love he has for her she is his world he is just the best dad ever!" Keep showing her what a real man is Willie! We salute you!!

Nominate A Father For 'Father Fridays' With Yasmin Young

Nominate yourself or a father to receive some recognition here on WBLK.com!